Social Anxiety help

Smithee

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most effective way to combat social anxiety. It will require that you spend a bit of money. However if you don't want to spend any money yet, you could try finding similar but free treatment programs online. I've heard of their existence but have never really tried to tried to find those sites.

All the best!

FriendlyAdvice

CBT , like Smithee recommended, is a great way to help with that. Talking with a therapist can help you to find the trigger for this anxiety and help you get through it. Others are here as well to share their stories and advice on how you can get through this.

biancamika

I recommend the therapy the posters suggested above. There, you'll be able to develop habits that'll make you improve your social skills, such as perhaps looking people in the eye.

I can understand how you feel regarding looking people in the eyes; I find it pressuring. I hate how people think avoiding the eyes is a sign of lying or impoliteness. It only ends up making people who have a hard time socializing, like you, even more anxious.

dominica

@Norjak71 hello. have you ever considered getting some counseling or a life coach? it could be a confidence issue related to something in your past.....  CBT is a good therapy option...also, read some books and watch youtube videos on the topic....

and make yourself practice......do daily affirmations....listen to gurus who will motivate you and challenge you to grow... you can totally get through this...

xTinx

Hello there and thanks for opening up to this community! First of all, there's no easy way to deal with anxiety. It's a step-by-step process that requires will and mind power. You have to put your emotions on the line and be ready to step outside your comfort zone slowly but surely. That's how you can recover from social anxiety.

I believe that trust is a very big issue to you in as much as you do not want to show your true self to those around you. In my case, so as not to be intimidated by groups, I entertain this way of thinking: "They're human beings like me. They may be rich/accomplished/popular but we all have the same ending." These morbid and rather cynical thoughts help me "sober up" whenever I'm in a new and unfamiliar group. I try to shut my mind up because the unnecessary thoughts running through my head only create pressure.

It would be good to seek help from experts first, though, before you self-medicate. They'll be able to guide you and provide advice on how to handle your situation the right way. Best of luck!

OursIsTheFury

I have the same problem. My solution? Wear glasses that turn into shades when you go outdoors. Can't make eye contact on you if they can't see where your eyes are pointing. I know it's not very therapeutic, but that was the solution I have found when I was really having trouble even going outside because I have to look at people. Once I wore glasses, there was like a barrier that formed around me and I can walk around carefree now. It works.

Norjak71

I don't really see it as a confidence issue but I could be wrong. I'm never lacking in confidence in most areas of my life except with other people and that's the strange part.